Best PC for Animation and Design Under ₹40,000 in May 2025 – The Smartest Budget Setup for Creatives
In 2025, animation and graphic design are no longer niche hobbies—they’re full-time professions and passionate career paths. But not everyone has a massive budget to start their creative journey. If you’re a student, freelancer, YouTuber, digital artist, or budding animator, you might be looking for the best PC for animation and design under ₹40,000.
The good news? You don’t need to break the bank to get a decent machine that can handle your design tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Blender, Autodesk Maya, After Effects, or CorelDRAW. With smart choices and component-based building, it’s totally possible to assemble a powerful PC under ₹40,000 that gets the job done efficiently.
In this article, we will explore the best components, custom builds, and ready-made options under ₹40,000 for creative professionals in May 2025. We’ll also talk about performance expectations, upgrade paths, and buying tips.
Why Animation and Design Need a Specific Type of PC
Before diving into the best options, let’s understand what makes a PC great for animation and design.
Unlike casual browsing or office work, animation and design demand a balanced machine—with a good CPU for processing, enough RAM for multitasking, a capable GPU for rendering, and SSD storage for speed.
Here’s what matters most:
- Multi-core CPU – Faster rendering and smooth workflow
- Dedicated or strong integrated GPU – For GPU-accelerated tasks
- SSD Storage – Quick project load/save times
- 8GB or More RAM – Better multitasking
- HD or FHD Monitor – For accurate color design
Now let’s look at the best build and options within your budget.
Custom PC Build for Animation and Design Under ₹40,000 – Best Value for Money
Build Overview:
| Component | Model / Suggestion | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (APU) | AMD Ryzen 5 5600G (with Radeon Vega Graphics) | ₹11,000 |
| Motherboard | MSI A520M-A Pro | ₹5,000 |
| RAM | Crucial 16GB DDR4 3200MHz (1x16GB) | ₹4,500 |
| SSD Storage | WD Green 480GB M.2 SATA SSD | ₹3,500 |
| Cabinet + PSU | Ant Esports ICE 100 + 450W PSU | ₹3,000 |
| Monitor (21.5″) | LG 22MP400 21.5″ Full HD IPS Monitor | ₹7,500 |
| Keyboard + Mouse Combo | Logitech MK120 | ₹1,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹35,500 – ₹38,000 |
Why this build?
- The Ryzen 5 5600G APU has built-in Radeon graphics, enough for light-to-mid 3D animation and all 2D work.
- 16GB RAM ensures your system doesn’t slow down during large design projects.
- SSD storage improves overall responsiveness.
- Full HD IPS display ensures color accuracy and wide viewing angles.
Performance You Can Expect
This build is capable of handling:
- 2D Animation: Flawless performance in tools like Adobe Animate, Synfig Studio, and Krita.
- 3D Modelling: Moderate performance in Blender, Autodesk Maya (for beginner to intermediate use).
- Photo Editing: Smooth editing in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
- Video Editing: Entry-level editing in Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve (1080p projects).
- Graphic Design: CorelDRAW, Inkscape, and Illustrator run well.
While it doesn’t include a dedicated GPU, the Vega 7 graphics in Ryzen 5 5600G offer solid performance for integrated graphics.
Best Prebuilt PC Options Under ₹40,000 (May 2025)
If you’re not comfortable building your own PC, several prebuilt models offer decent configurations for creative use. Here are the top picks:
1. Lenovo IdeaCentre 3 Desktop – Ryzen 5 5600G Edition
- CPU: Ryzen 5 5600G
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- OS: Windows 11
- Graphics: Integrated Radeon Graphics
- Price: ₹36,999 – ₹38,499
Pros:
- Clean design, compact
- Good service support
Cons:
- Only 8GB RAM (upgradable)
2. Zebronics Powerful APU Tower Desktop
- CPU: Ryzen 5 4600G
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Monitor: Optional 22” LED Monitor
- Price: ₹38,999
Pros:
- Includes 16GB RAM
- Best bang-for-buck for new animators
Cons:
- Basic cabinet and PSU
3. Chiptronex Prebuilt Creative Series
- CPU: Intel Core i3 12100
- GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 730
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 240GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Price: ₹39,500
Pros:
- Decent CPU performance
- Good for 2D work and light 3D
Cons:
- Slightly older i3 generation
- GPU weaker than Vega 7
Best Laptops for Portable Animation (Optional Section)
If you need portability, consider laptops with Ryzen 5 5500U or Intel Core i5 1135G7, which cost around ₹38,000–₹40,000. But keep in mind that desktops offer better performance per rupee.
Software Compatibility: What Will Run Smoothly?
Here’s how our recommended builds handle popular animation and design software:
| Software | Performance (Rating out of 5) |
|---|---|
| Adobe Photoshop | ★★★★★ |
| Adobe Illustrator | ★★★★★ |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | ★★★★☆ |
| Blender (3D Modeling) | ★★★☆☆ |
| Krita / Synfig (2D) | ★★★★★ |
| Autodesk Maya | ★★★☆☆ |
| CorelDRAW | ★★★★★ |
| After Effects (basic) | ★★★★☆ |
Note: Heavy After Effects and Blender rendering will still benefit from a discrete GPU, but for under ₹40,000, this setup gets you started.
Upgrade Paths for the Future
One of the best things about building or buying a desktop is upgradability. Once you grow in your creative journey, here’s how you can upgrade:
- Add a Dedicated GPU: Later install an NVIDIA GTX 1650 or RTX 3050 for high-end rendering.
- Upgrade RAM to 32GB: Most motherboards support this.
- Add Extra SSD/HDD: For larger project storage.
- Upgrade to 144Hz Monitor: For high-end animation fluidity.
Buying Tips to Stay Within Budget
- Look for Combo Offers – Sometimes CPU + Motherboard or RAM + SSD come bundled.
- Buy Used Monitors – Monitors can be bought second-hand for ₹3,000–₹4,000.
- Check Amazon Deals and Flipkart Sales – Especially during festive seasons.
- Use PSU-Cabinet Combo Units – They reduce build cost by ₹1,000–₹1,500.
- Prioritize Performance Over Looks – Skip RGB, focus on CPU and RAM.
Real-World Use Cases
1. Student Animator
A college student using this build can create 2D animation shorts, portfolio reels, and even freelance logo design.
2. Freelance Designer
Design flyers, banners, illustrations, and client materials with tools like Canva Pro, Illustrator, and Figma smoothly.
3. Beginner YouTuber
Edit 1080p videos for vlogs, reels, and tutorials using Premiere Pro or CapCut Desktop.
Conclusion: The Perfect Budget Workstation Exists!
Creating a PC for animation and design under ₹40,000 in May 2025 is completely achievable with the right knowledge and decisions. You don’t have to wait to save ₹70K or ₹1 lakh to get started in your dream career.
With a setup like the Ryzen 5 5600G build, or a ready-made desktop with 16GB RAM and SSD, you get the tools to learn, earn, and grow as a digital creator.
Final Verdict
If you’re serious about design, animation, and creativity, but you’re also conscious of your spending, the options above give you the perfect launchpad.
Top Recommendation: Custom build with Ryzen 5 5600G + 16GB RAM + SSD + Full HD Monitor
Price: Under ₹40,000
Performance: Great for 2D design, beginner animation, and editing
Upgrades: GPU, RAM, storage, and more